1902 Farmhouse Renovation Project: Concrete

[@WormHoleFarming]

The last slab that I poured I made the same statement that you made. "That's the last slab that I'll pour". The project is coming along good. You'll have a nice place when ya get finished.

[@farmboy30117]

LOL Thanks!

[@txsviking]

I have a lot of respect for concrete workers. That's a tough job.

[@farmboy30117]

Yeah buddy!

[@SchnelleKat]

Doing Concrete myself you'd get used too it if you do enough, i work with about 5 other guys small seasonal team. But for yourself, you did a pretty good job. The double doors is a good old school option. IMO

[@farmboy30117]

Thanks Kyle! I can see it wouldn't be a big deal with an experienced crew, but I don't want no more experience ;)

[@SchnelleKat]

@@farmboy30117 I have been around in with my family but i just started doing it around 1 1/2 yr ago.

[@BubbasgarageTv]

Wow talking about the perfect weather. I have made that exact same mistake working on wood projects I always forget to account for the lumber when I take measurements. I have done a slab before and I pretty much learned the same lesson. Those guys make it look easy for sure but its no joke. Well at least for me ha.

[@farmboy30117]

Thanks Chris! Yep it sure looks easier than it is!

[@srvafool]

We usually use a 2 X to screed. If you can set the perimeter forms at the top of finished level, it's pretty easy to "saw" the top of the concrete and level and smooth at the same time if there are two of you. I'm 62, and last summer I hand mixed in my front end loader enough to make a pad for my golf mat. 4' X 5'. 18 bags of sacrete in 90+ degree temperatures. I used a hoe to mix it. Mixing, screeding and trying to smooth it by myself before it started to set up was a PITA. I'm going to do a couple of more this spring, but I'm going to use my father-in-law's pto mixer on the back of one of my tractors. I think that will be a lot better. We've used it before to pour a 10' X 14' addition to the back porch. I can't imagine trying to do a floor as big as the one you did. Great job Jay!

[@farmboy30117]

Thanks Alan! It would've been a lot easier if I'd had someone on the other end of the screed that knew what I wanted to do. Even so, the 8' screed I used was very light compared to a 2x4.

[@davidsample9130]

Worked out well, 2 x lumber stayed pretty straight, shed is well improved will the solid floor, I like they way they came out.

[@farmboy30117]

Thanks David! I'm happy with it too, can't wait to get it closed in so we can move some stuff out of the house :)

[@joebrown1382]

You got a strong back to do that concrete by yourself. I've done some of it at my place & it about killed me. At my age I hate to mix a bag of sackcrete now. For what you're using it for it looks fine to me. At least it's not a dirt floor.

[@farmboy30117]

I'm surprised it didn't go out on me Joe! It's definitely an improvement even over the gravel!

[@joebrown1382]

@@farmboy30117 You're a working man that's for sure. But you have a farm so that answers that.

[@SteveRobReviews]

Jay a buddy is a construction engineer and he was telling me about a concrete pour pumped thru a hose the consistancy of thick water , yep it's super expensive but self leveling and no labour to work the finish. I struggle with working with concrete but I have learned some tips from my friend but it sure doesn't turn out like we see on them tv fixit shows🤣

[@farmboy30117]

It sure don't! This was supposed to be a 4" slump with plasticizer so it should've poured really nice. Seemed to be extra thick to start with then very runny toward the end.

[@1995jug]

Not a bad job you are right concrete is made for the pros lot of work to do it right.

[@farmboy30117]

Thanks Joe! I'll leave it to the pros on the shop slab!